Accrington’s retail boss Councillor Clare Cleary answers the Observer’s questions on the future prospects of the town centre.

Have you got a masterplan to help the town centre thrive?

The council adopted an Accrington Town Centre masterplan in 2008 which remains relevant today.

The Masterplan set out the vision for Accrington town centre which was “to become a vibrant floral market town”.

The Masterplan was clear that Accrington should not try and compete with out of town retail centres, but instead emphasise Accrington’s traditional character and appeal and build on its strengths, which it acknowledges are the Market and its independent retailers.

In February 2014 the Town Team adopted its Vision and Strategy and that has been endorsed by all stakeholders including the Chamber of Trade.

The Strategy reinforced the vision for a diverse shopping experience, including a wide ranging independent sector, a market town focus and a visitor destination with high quality heritage buildings and open spaces.

Why do you think big brand retailers are leaving? Are you worried about this?

Big brand retailers are leaving predominantly because shopping patterns have changed, mainly due to internet shopping and out of town shopping centres. This is not unique to Accrington, it is happening all over the country.

The traditional town centre high street is going through a period of change everywhere and town centres will have to change and diversify.

We are concerned, but we are not burying our heads in the sand.

We are responding to the challenge; and our aim is to build on a very successful indoor market and a similarly successful independent sector.

In addition to a new bus station and the planned heritage investment, our other priority is to invest and improve the outdoor market in conjunction with improvements to Peel Street following the relocation of the existing bus station.

Do you think Blackburn’s Cathedral Quarter is something to look at, with more of a focus on culture rather than a retail focused town centre?

All traditional town centres need to respond to the changes in shopping patterns and find their niche. As mentioned previously, our focus for Accrington is to build a successful market town with a thriving independent sector.

Accrington has some fantastic heritage and culture and our aim is promote these, although it is not our intention to “copy” Blackburn.

The recent refurbishment of Accrington Town Hall has created a fantastic events venue and many cultural events are being planned to attract visitors from far and wide, including the film festival planned for later this year.

What effect do you think internet shopping has had? Was click and collect in the Market Hall a way to combat this? Any plans to expand wi-fi across the town centre?

Internet shopping has had a huge impact, but this is not unique to Accrington town centre. I should stress that click and collect is a private sector-led initiative, by Scott Dawson advertising.

The council has supported the initiative with a £10,000 grant but the costs of developing it are way beyond the council’s investment. It is something we were very keen to support because it is a response to changes in shopping habits, and at the same time it is an initiative that is supporting the market hall traders.

It is also the first of its kind, and I hope it demonstrates the council’s commitment to support its traders; and if successful it will be rolled out to other town centre retailers.

It is important to stress, that all stakeholders need to play a role in supporting Accrington town centre.

The council will do its very best to support the town centre through planning policy, arranging major events and investment in the fabric and environment (such as the market), but it is critical that retailers respond to the challenges, and that residents support their local shops and businesses.

It has never been more important to shop local.